Munster club SFC: Crokes ease into final

Dr Crokes qualified for their third AIB Munster club SFC final on the trot thanks to an emphatic victory over 14-man Clonmel Commercials on their home pitch of Lewis' Road.

Played in dreadful conditions, this semi-final was never a contest as early points from Colm Cooper (four), Johnny Buckley, Daithi Casey and Chris Brady eased the winners into a 0-7 to 0-2 lead after 18 minutes. Ian Barnes, who was later sent off, and Eamon Kennedy, replied for the visitors.

Crokes then lost star centre back Daithi Casey to concussion, but it mattered little as further scores from Brady, Luke Quinn and Cooper helped them to a 0-10 to 0-2 half-time advantage.

Kerry captain Cooper extended the hosts' lead on the restart before Commercials enjoyed their best spell which yielded three unanswered points from Barnes, Richie Carroll and Alan Lonergan. That was as good as it got, however, for the Tipperary champions. In the 52nd minute, Eoin Brosnan scored the only goal after a brilliant move involving Kieran O'Leary, Jamie Doolan and Brian Looney.

Clonmel were reduced to 14 men when Barnes received his marching orders three minutes later.